LaTasha Lewis: Push yourself beyond your comfort zone

August 24, 2014

By LaTasha Lewis

No Mess

The next time you begin to think you can’t be something, or do something, take a step back and ask yourself: Is this a limit that I have imposed on myself?

When I was a young child, I was always very tiny compared with my peers. Because of my size, people passed judgment and often tried to limit me. They either thought I was too young, or too small to participate in this or that.

From my mother’s viewpoint, my size often worked in our favor: She was able to get kid movie tickets, meals, etc., at a kiddie cost. True story: I was a freshman in high school and went to support my brother at his elementary school basketball game. As we entered the building, a sign stated that all visitors had to pay, but students who attended the school could get in free. As I went to pay my money, the attendant said something like “Awww sweetie, you are free.” “But I am a high school student,” I said. But she would not take my money. Needless to say, I was angry. I felt like she tried to limit me, and also silence my voice.

Even though my mom sometimes welcomed that kiddie cost that my small size garnered, she was not an enabler and did not let me have pity for myself because I was small.

When I joined the Westside Cubs cheer team at age 7, I was the smallest and was put on the top of every pyramid. I was scared of being on top of the pyramid, and didn’t want to do it at first. But my mom said, “You joined this team and they are counting on you, so you have to get over that fear.” Eventually, I started to love being on top of the pyramids. I loved being daring. Back in those days, my favorite cheer was called “Red Pop.” When we performed “Red Pop,” the squad would put me in the center of the huddle, and as the chant got louder and louder, they would pop me up into the air. I can still feel the adrenaline pumping.

If I allowed myself to be limited, I wouldn’t be the daredevil that I am today. And I would have missed out on many incredible moments. Because I don’t fear heights (thanks Red Pop), I have done some really fun things like zip-lining in Costa Rica hundreds of feet high in the sky — upside down. Not saying that upside-down zip-lining is for everyone, but what is the thing that pushing the limits has helped you accomplish?

Most people will admit to having more potential than their lives show. They know on some level that they are far more capable than they have been giving themselves credit for. They know they have something bigger to offer. Get moving on that offering now.

If fear or limitations have a permanent residence in your mind, or your life, it’s time to evict them. Don’t be held hostage to self-imposed fears. I urge you to, at least once a year, if not more, do something that scares, thrills, or really excites you. Make a date with yourself to come out of that shell and push yourself beyond your comfort zone.